More children than ever are expected to be walking, scooting or cycling to school in the borough now that 3 new schools have signed up to Ealing Council’s school streets programme.

Since the programme began in 2020, 34 schools have signed up to the scheme.

The latest schools to join the programme are:

• Drayton Green Primary, West Ealing
• Downe Manor Primary, Northolt
• St Raphael’s Catholic Primary, Northolt

Part of being a school street means the roads around a school are closed to most vehicles at school opening and closing times, helping children arriving or leaving to be safer from traffic.

More than 14,500 children from schools across the borough are now enjoying the benefits of a safer school run.

So far, school streets have had a hugely positive impact on schools, families and the wider community.

Drayton Green Primary School’s deputy headteacher, Laura Richter commented: “We used to have cars flying down the road and some children have nearly been run over; now the roads are so much safer in the mornings and it’s healthier and less stressful for the children.

“We’re seeing children walking when they possibly wouldn’t have before and biking or scooting to school. They’re also coming to school less stressed and more ready to learn, because they’ve had some exercise.”

Active travel to school up 9%

The school street programme encourages children to travel actively to school, meaning they are more likely to get their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Council leader Peter Mason, said: “The school streets scheme is proving effective at encouraging active travel to school, not only is this good for children’s physical and mental wellbeing, but being physically active is also linked to children’s improved learning through increased alertness and ability to concentrate.

“Four more primary schools started their school street in October, helping us to deliver on our commitment to creating more school streets across the borough.”

School-related car use down 7%

A quarter of London’s morning peak hour traffic is made up of families on the school run. Since school streets were introduced, there are less cars on the road to cause congestion.

Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, added: “With less cars on the road during the school run, our school children are breathing in much less pollution, and, by travelling actively and sustainably they get to do their bit to tackle the climate crisis at the same time.”

For more information on School Streets, visit the council’s website.

National Road Safety Week 19-25 November

This week (19 to 25 November) is Road Safety Week 2024, a nationwide campaign raising awareness about road safety issues, including the prevention of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. It emphasises the importance of responsible driving, pedestrian safety, and the need for improved road infrastructure.

School streets is just one programme contributing to Ealing Council’s wider work to ensure a safer, healthier and greener borough. Find out more about what the council is doing to help.